Epperson+v.+Arkansas

Submitted by Jose Ramirez Susan EPPERSON et al., Appellants, v. ARKANSAS. Supreme Court of the United States Argued October 16, 1968. Decided November 12, 1968.

__**BACKGROUND:**__ Susan Epperson, a young teacher, employed by the Little Rock school system, faced a dilemma when the science book she was supposed to use to teach her class contained a chapter on evolution. Ms. Epperson appealed, to the Chancery Court of the State, the constitutionality of the “anti-evolution” statute which was adopted in 1928 by the State of Arkansas. This statute makes it against the law for any teacher to teach the theory of evolution. The Chancery Court held that the stature “hindered the quest for knowledge, restrict the freedom to learn, and restrain the freedom to teach.” This decision was then reversed by the State Supreme Court, stating that it was the State’s power to specify the curriculum in public school. Susan Epperson then took this matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Ms. Epperson, and decided that the Arkansas’ statute was indeed unconstitutional, which violated the First Amendment of the Constitution. The reason given was because the State of Arkansas was using this statute as a way to reduce the conflict between a particular religious doctrine. It was the court’s opinion that in Everson v. Board of Education, the same principle was practiced, which provided free bus service to school children, including those attending parochial schools. It was the court’s opinion that “neither State nor the Federal Government can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another.” The State of Arkansas was clearly preventing teachers from discussing the theory of evolution because it was the belief of some that the Book of Genesis explained in detail the only origin of man and therefore it was a violation of State Law to teach any other theory regarding the origin of man.
 * __DECISION AND RATIONALE:__**

The decision given by the Supreme Court gave school districts more freedom to teach different theories. It has allowed students of today to be open to new experiences. Social Studies teachers can now speak openly about the different religions around the world without fear of repercussion. Students can now study the different beliefs and customs around practiced in different countries. The appeal of the Statute also established a clear understanding that no school district can impose their beliefs on others. Freedom of speech and religion is a human right, which not everyone in the world enjoys. School administrators and teachers must be aware that although religion has been taken out of the classroom, the cultural beliefs can still be taught, as long as we don’t discriminate against any other beliefs that are contrary to our own.
 * __IMPACT ON TEACHING__**:

TRUE OR FALSE – In Everson v. Board of Education, only the Federal Government, not the States, can pass laws which aid one religion, all religions, or prefer one religion over another.
 * __QUESTION:__**